Best Tennis Balls Brands For 2019 (Reviews and Comparison)

If you think the tennis balls you choose to play with having a massive effect on your game is a load of balls… you are gravely mistaken, my friend.

Best Tennis Balls Brands For 2019 (Reviews and Comparison)

Your choice of tennis ball will massively affect how good your game is when you get onto the courts. Different balls have different qualities depending on what brand you purchase and the quality of the ball itself which can make them better or worse for different types of player and different surfaces.

Part of the issue of selecting the best tennis balls to use is that it can be hard at the best of times to settle on a certain brand. The good news is that there is now more tennis ball brands on the market than ever before, which can make choosing the right one easier.

We have tested out several different types of ball and in this guide we have picked the balls that we like to use when playing tennis as well as which balls which are the best tennis balls for specific surfaces such as grass, hard courts and clay courts.

About Tennis Balls

Tennis balls have developed since then and have evolved substantially over the last several years, with a huge amount of money spent on the development of new technology.

Some popular brands of tennis balls include:

  • Dunlop
  • Wilson
  • Slazenger
  • Treton
  • Penn

Tenis balls are made all over the world though primarily in The USA and Europe.

There are a variety of surfaces that tennis is played on such as grass, clay, hard courts, asphalt, concrete, and astroturf. Different balls suit different surfaces better than others.

Colors

The standard color for tennis balls is yellow as decreed by The Tennis Federation. This color was chosen due to is clear visibility for both the players and spectators.

Types of Tennis Balls

Types of Tennis Balls

There are three main types of tennis balls that are available for purchase: type1, type2, and type 3. With high altitude balls also available.

Type 1 balls are used on slower courts, Type 2 are for standard speed courts, and type 3 balls are used on the fastest courts.

There are also specific balls that are suited for use with tennis ball machines.

Weight & Dimensions

There are certain restrictions on the size and weight of tennis balls. The ATP Offical Rulebook lists these as:

Levels: Recreational, Championship, and Professional

There are three main types of tennis balls that are made by manufacturers: professional level balls, championship level, and recreational level. The kind of ball that you choose will come down to what you want to use it for, as well as how advanced your game is.

Recreational level: are the best tennis balls for practice matches and those who are getting used to the game.

Championship level balls: are used for those who are already good at tennis and want something with a little more kick behind their serves.

Professional level balls: are used by some of the best tennis players around the world and allow for more precision, control and power.

Types of Tennis Balls: Pressurized on Non-Pressurized

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a tennis ball is whether it is pressurized or not. Most modern day balls are but it is still worth considering. Non-pressurized balls bounce on their rubber shells and do not have the pressurized air inside.

Non-pressurized balls have the advantage of not losing their bounce like normal tennis balls and will gain more buoyancy the more you use them.

Pressurized balls are what is generally used by professional players and in tournament matches. These balls are more common, as the internal air pressure gives the ball more bounce, speed, and spin. The only downside to pressurized balls is that the use of them fades over time.

Regular Duty vs. Extra Duty

If you are on the lookout for new tennis balls, the type of court that you play on makes a big impact. If you are playing on softer courts like clay or indoor courts, you will want to purchase regular duty tennis balls.

If you are playing on harder surfaces or grass, then you can opt for extra duty balls.

The main difference between the two is the thickness of the felt covering. It is thicker on extra duty to allow for play and harder surfaces.

High Altitude

One point of consideration to make when choosing a tennis ball is where on the court you are hitting the ball. Higher altitudes will cause your shorts to bounce higher and travel faster, which can make it difficult for a range of players.

High altitude, in this case, is set to be 4,000 feet or higher. If you are playing at this height, you’ll want to invest in some high-altitude tennis balls to mitigate these issues.

For Beginners and Kids

Children just starting out with tennis require speciality balls that are designed for a slower pace. Faster balls may be ideal for adults, but younger kids won’t be able to keep up with the pace of the game. Slower-moving foam balls are the best for kids.

Two children holding choices from our best tennis balls guide over their eyes

There are three types of stages that are suitable for use by children and beginners playing tennis:

  • Stage 3 (Red)
  • Stage 2 (Orange)
  • Stage 1 (Green)

These balls have specific weights and dimension that are specified by the International Tennis Federation as:

Specifications Stage 1 (Green)
Standard
Stage 2 (Orange)
Standard
Stage 3 (Red)
Standard
Stage 3 (Red)
Foam
Mass (Weight) 47.0-51.5 grams
1.658-1.817 ounces
36.0-46.9 grams
1.270-1.654 ounces
36.0-46.9 grams
1.270-1.654 ounces
25.0-43.0 grams
0.882-1.517 ounces
Size 6.30-6.86 cm
2.48-2.70 inches
6.00-6.86 cm
2.36-2.70 inches
7.00-8.00 cm
2.76-3.15 inches
8.00-9.00 cm
3.15-3.54 inches
Rebound 120-135 cm
47-53 inches
105-120 cm
41-47 inches
90-105 cm
35-41 inches
85-105 cm
33-41 inches
Forward Deformation 0.80-1.05 cm
0.315-0.413 inches
1.40-1.65 cm
0.551-0.650 inches

Speciality Balls

In addition to the above, there are also balls that exist for those who have elbow injuries, as well as balls to reduce the impact of the arm.

Top 4 Tennis Balls in 2019 For Each Surface

Below you will find some of the best tennis balls for this year. These tennis balls have been selected as they are the ones we like to use when playing. There are many good things about the tennis balls below, as they are the perfect combination of price, features, and durability.

If you want to find out more about any of the tennis balls that can be seen below, simply navigate to each of the product’s listing pages on Amazon. There you will find a wealth of reviews from satisfied clients who are more than happy to share their experiences with you.

Wilson US Open Regular Duty Tennis Ball

The Wilson US Open ball is the same model used in the US and Australian Open tournaments. These balls are an ideal choice if you want to play indoors or on a clay surface, as they are hard wearing and have a thick felt made from high-grade wool.  Although they may not be the ideal choice for other surfaces.

This ball is a great choice if you want maximum performance as well as increased durability against wear and they will generally last longer than other balls. The Wilson Standard stacks up well to the professional version of the ball, which makes them some of the best on the market today. They are also USTA and ITF Approved for competitive play.

Choose these for: Clay and indoor courts

Get a full case of these here.

Wilson US Open Extra Duty

You can’t go wrong with the Wilson US Open Extra Duty. These bad boys are the official tennis ball of the US Open and are incredibly tough and hard wearing which makes them perfect for hard courts. They are made of a high-quality wool that is constructed to make a denser felt to resist wear and tear.

They are also approved for USTA and ITF tournaments and provide a high performance ball at a reasonable price. What more are you looking for in a hard court ball?

Choose these for: Hard courts

Get a full case of 72 here.

 

Penn Championship XD Tennis Balls

The Penn Championship XD balls are the top selling tennis ball in the USA and are the official ball of the USTA League and are some of the easiest balls to play with an excellent quality. The Championship XD tennis balls are extra heavy duty with a wool fiber meaning they can be used on any surface and will last well.

The XD balls are famous for their controlled fiber release, which delivers a consistent spin and speed during serves and volleys. They are constructed from natural rubber which reduces the shock of the ball as it hits the court’s surface.

Choose these for: All surfaces / most durable balls

Get a case of 30 of these here.

 

Dunlop Championship Tennis Balls

The Dunlop Championship tennis balls are perfect for playing on all surfaces and are a high-quality low-cost option with a highly pressurized core and low fuzz which makes then great for speed and bounce during swings and serves.

You can use the Sports Championship balls for practice or during club games without a problem. You get four balls per tube, so you still get quite a bit of quality for its relatively cheap price. Dunlop championship balls are durable, as well as a pleasure to play with. You get an even consistency, which is pretty impressive as well.

The only downside to these balls is that they can sometimes feel a little stiff, but they are still great to use during periods of practice.

Many players consider these balls the best option for newbies and professional players alike, which is due to the fact they are proven to go the distance and their bounce is very good. While they could be a little heavier than other balls, you can easily purchase them in bulk and they are of exceptional quality. We recommend you try a can of these tennis balls for yourself, they’re very affordable!

Choose these for: Grass courts / Most affordable

Get a case of 72 here.

 

Best Tennis Balls For Hard Courts

If you are playing tennis on a hard court, then you should opt for heavy-duty brands such as those made by Dunlop, Wilson, and Penn. Hard courts require a professional ball option, as softer balls will degrade faster and may not last the distance.

The tennis balls that we have chosen above can be a great option for getting the best tennis ball for hard courts. Other options may still be available if you are ready to look around and compare your options.

Best for Soft Courts

Softer courts require a different kind of tennis ball, which can easily be found out by reading the label and product description of your ball to see if it’s suitable for use on a soft court or not. The items that we have listed above should give you a clear indication if it is suitable for use on a soft court, as well as by reading the reviews from other satisfied buyers.

Conclusion

That concludes our guide and list of the best tennis balls of 2019. We hope that you have found this article informative, as well as helpful in your selection for the best tennis ball for your specific needs.

As you may have discovered, choosing a tennis ball that is an ideal fit mostly comes down to your own requirements and expectations, and there is certainly a lot of variety out there.

If you are a beginner, then we recommend that you select a non-pressurized, type 1 ball, as these generally perform the best for slowing down the pace of the game which can allow you to improve your mechanics and succeed at tennis. More advanced players can opt for a Professional series ball that is provided by many of the leading brands today, which will give you more kick behind your shots.

Many of the above products have earned four and five-star reviews, which means you can be assured of their quality and durability. You can read about other user’s experiences using the links provided above, as they can give you a good indication of whether a certain brand is going to perform better for you than a different model.

Thanks for reading this article. We hope that you have enjoyed learning about the different kinds of tennis balls that are on offer. The prices of tennis balls can go up or down at a moment’s notice, so thrifty shoppers will take advantage of the low-cost deals while they still can.

Best Tennis Stringing Machines. Part 2

As you can see, many of the tennis stringing machines on this list are by Gamma. There’s a good reason for that, as the company offers more than 12 individual stringing machines. They offer units with various price tags and feature sets, making the brand a popular choice amongst tennis pros. Many players are also familiar with Gamma’s racquets, grips, strings, and vibration dampeners.

Gamma Sports Racquet Stringing Machines – X basic Series

The X Series of stringing machines includes four models: The X-2, X-ST, X-6, and X-6FC. All four boast a table-top design and are easily portable.

X-2

X-2

The X-2 stringing machine comes with a drop weight tensioning setting, so it takes a little longer to set up and use than the other options. It can set the string tension between 9 and 90 pounds, so it’s guaranteed to suit your racquet.

This affordable model has two points of contact on the frame, meaning it could twist the racquet slightly whilst you’re stringing it. It also uses floating clamps, which aren’t as good as fixed clamps when it comes to maintaining tension on the strings. That being said, the unit is ideal for beginners who want an affordable tennis stringing machine.

X-6

X-6

The X-6 stringing machine is a step up from the X-2, which is reflected in the price tag. The unit also has a drop weight design that creates between 9 and 90 pounds of tension. However, it provides six contact points on the racquet while the X-2 only has two. This enables more accurate tensioning and reduces the risk of distorting the frame during the process.

X-6FC

X-6FC

If you’re looking for a stringing machine that can string other types of racquets, you may prefer the X-6FC. This unit benefits from fixed clamps that provide enough tension for other types of racquets, including badminton racquets. Apart from this, the model is identical to the X-6.

X-ST

X-ST

The X-ST stringing machine is the top model in the X Series of tennis stringing machines. The unit benefits from a manual stringing process, which sets it apart from the others in the series. Although the manual system requires physical effort, it’s able to achieve a more precise level of tension than a drop weight system. Like the X-6 machines, the X-ST boasts six contact points on the racquet frame.

All the units in the X Series come with the tools you’ll need to string a racquet, including a hex wrench set, awls, and two pliers. The machines also come with a draw in the base, which is handy for storage purposes. You’ll be able to store your tools with the machine and have them with you at all times, even if you transport the unit to a client, friend, or tournament.

If you’re hoping to perform stringing in a tennis pro shop or as a side business, you may be better off with the top-of-the-range Gamma X-ELS. This unit boasts an electronic system to make the stringing process easier than ever.

However, the features of the basic X-series models will be fine for those looking to restring their own racquet. They’re all easy to use and generate precise tension, and some even work with several different racquets.

Prince NEOS 1000 Stringing Machine

Prince NEOS 1000 Stringing Machine

If you’re after an advanced tennis stringing machine, you can’t go wrong with the Prince NEOS 100 Stringing Machine. Despite being over 20 years old, the model remains a favorite of tennis professionals. In fact, many tennis pro shops use this unit to perform the restringing process.

Prince upgraded this model a few years back with the NEOS 1500. However, the company has vowed to continue making the NEOS 1000 and its parts for customers who prefer the original design.

As the NEOS 1000 uses a manual tension design, it requires a bit of physical strength to use effectively. However, it’s able to achieve more accurate tension settings than drop weight and electronic units, so it’s certainly worth the effort. The machine also comes with two contact points on the racquet frame.

The NEOS 1000 is a standalone tennis stringing machine. This means that it’s less portable than the tabletop models but allows you to work at a height that’s suitable for you. This is ideal if you’re restringing a large number of racquets, as tabletop units can become uncomfortable when used for a long duration.

If you want to invest in an advanced stringing machine or you want to upgrade your basic unit, the Prince NEOS 1000 is a great option.

Tips for Stringing a Racquet

Tips for Stringing a Racquet

When to Restring

To avoid breaking a string in the middle of the tournament, restring your racquet regularly. In terms of when to restring it, the rule of thumb says if you play four times per week, you’ll want to restring your racquet four times per year. If you play tennis twice per week, you’ll only need to restring twice.

If you’re a serious tennis athlete, however, you may want to restring more often. Get to know your racquet and restring whenever you feel it’s necessary.

Understanding String Tension

The tension on a tennis string is measured in pounds. It is equal to the amount of pressure placed on a particular string when the machine pulls it. Typically, racquets with a lower string tension provide more power on the court. Strings with less tension allow the ball to bounce back with more power, acting as a trampoline.

Racquets with a higher string tension provide more control on the court by using spins. To figure out the maximum and minimum tensions of your racquet, look for a string tension range printed on the side.

Types of Tennis Strings

There are four types of tennis strings: natural gut, nylon, polyester, and Kevlar.

Synthetic strings are the most affordable, while natural gut is the priciest.

Each type of string has a different feel, so it’s worth testing them out to decide which fits your game. Typically, lower-priced strings work better for beginners and intermediate players who tend to mishit. If your shots are more precise, you’ll be best with natural gut. However, natural gut won’t last as long as synthetic strings.

Things to Consider in Tennis Stringing Machine

Your Usage

Before choosing a tennis stringing machine, think about how often you’ll be using it. If you’re only stringing your personal racquets when needed, you’ll require fewer features and may be fine with a budget-priced machine. If you’re planning to string several racquets, you’ll probably need to invest in a machine with more features.

Tension Setting Process

Stringing machines come with three tension settings processes. Each process requires a different level of effort to set the tension and comes with a different cost structure.

Manual machines, or crank machines as they’re sometimes called, required a high level of physical effort. However, they’re accurate and inexpensive.

A drop weight machine is also affordable and easy to use. It requires less effort than a manual machine but takes longer to string the racquet.

The most expensive stringing machines are electronic models, as they use a computer chip to measure the tension. Some electronic machines use a manual hand crank, while others use a motor to set the tension. The latter requires no physical effort what so ever.

Mounting System

The mounting systems used in tennis stringing machines vary. Each system contains a different number of contact points that hold the frame during the stringing process.

The least expensive machines are those with two points of contact. These will also string the racquet quickly. However, the frame can occasionally become twisted during the stringing process.

Machines with four or six contact points are more expensive and take longer to string the racquet; however, the frame will remain stable during the process and has less chance of being damaged.

String Clamps

Tennis stringing machines come with different types of clamps. A fixed clamp provides better consistency in the tension of the string than a floating clamp. However, fixed clamp machines are typically more expensive.

Size

Tennis stringing machines come in two different sizes: tabletop and standalone. If you’re planning to take the machine to a client or tournament, choose a unit that fits on a tabletop.

The other option is a standalone stringing machine. Standalone machines are less portable than tabletop versions but often include more advanced features. Typically, tabletop units are more affordable than standalone machines.

So, there you have it – the best tennis stringing machines. For best results, restring your tennis racquet regularly. As we mentioned earlier, one rule of thumb says that if you play tennis twice a week, you should restring your racquet at least twice a year. If you play tennis 5 times a week, restring your racquet 5 times per year.

Although tennis stringing machines are an investment, they pay for themselves within a few months – particularly if you need to restring your racquet regularly. If you’re new to tennis, get started with a basic model and upgrade if necessary. If you’re a tennis pro, you may want to invest in a state-of-the-art machine from the start.

Whether you’re a seasoned tennis athlete or a complete beginner, restring your racquet regularly to get the most from your game. With a tennis stringing machine, the restringing process is easier than ever. Before investing, weigh up the units above and decide which one suits you best.

Best Tennis Stringing Machines

Whether you’re a novice or professional tennis athlete, investing in a high-quality racquet will boost your game. Unfortunately, even the best racquets start to wear out eventually, particularly if you play seriously on a regular basis. Instead of forking out on a brand-new racquet, you can give your current one a new lease of life by restringing it.

Tennis-Racket-Stringing-Machine-768x512 (1)

As you play, tennis racquet strings stretch and lose their tension. Eventually, they’ll need replacing to continue getting the most out of your racquet. For best results, try to restring your racquet regularly. If you wait until the strings have become loose enough to break, it’s too late. Your game will start to suffer from the worn-out strings, or worse, one will break during a tournament.

Some players pay a professional to restring their racquet. However, this can quickly become expensive, particularly if you play tennis regularly enough to restring every month or so. To avoid this, invest in a tennis stringing machine.

By restringing your own tennis racquet, you can save enough to cover the cost of the machine after just a few months. Better still, you can help out your team or playing partners by restringing their racquets, too.

In this article, we explore the best tennis stringing machines on the market. We cover a variety of feature sets and price points, giving players of all sorts the chance to find a suitable machine. We also cover how the machines work to help you choose one that meets your needs.

Klippermate Tennis Racquet Stringing Machine

Klippermate Tennis Racquet Stringing Machine

If you’re looking for an affordable tennis stringing machine, look no further than the Klippermate. Better still, the machine is super easy to use and is the best budget pick on the list.

Of course, the cheap price comes with fewer features, so don’t expect to restring a large number of racquets in a short time frame with this one. If you only need to string your racquet occasionally, though, the Klippermate Tennis Racquet Stringing Machine will do the job.

The Klippermate stringing machine offers a tabletop design, allowing you to use it on any flat surface. Its compact size makes it portable and easy to move to a new location. Like most cheaper models, it only has two points of contact for mounting. Occasionally, this can cause the frame to twist during the stringing process.

This stringing machine has a drop weight style. This doesn’t set the tension as precisely as an electronic machine, but it requires less physical effort than a manual unit. Depending on your preference, you can set the string tension between 20 and 90 pounds.

This versatile stringing machine can string tennis, squash, and racquetball racquets. For an extra cost, you can also add the ability to string badminton racquets.

The Klippermate website is easy to use and answers a variety of tennis stringing questions. The machine also comes with a detailed set of instructions, simplifying the process for newbies.

Gamma Progression ST II Stringing Machine

Gamma Progression ST II Stringing Machine

The Gamma Progression ST II Stringing Machine is another strong choice. While it’s more expensive than other Gamma models, the advanced features make the investment worthwhile.

The stringing machine has a manual tension setting design, meaning that you’ll adjust the tension manually using a hand crank. Depending on your preference, you can set the string tension between 10 and 90 pounds. This advanced model provides six points of contact on the racquet frame, helping the racquet to maintain its shape during the process and avoid twisting.

The Gamma Progression ST II stringing machine is a tabletop model and isn’t as heavy as you might think. This makes the machine a great option for transporting to a client or tournament. The base comes with two drawers for storing your stringing tools, many of which come with the machine. Gamma includes a variety of tools with this model, including a hex wrench set, awls, and two pliers.

Gamma X-ELS Stringing Machine

Gamma X-ELS Stringing Machine

If you can afford the Gamma X-ELS Stringing Machine, you won’t regret the investment. The machine is easy to use and boasts a convenient tabletop design. This makes it easy to transport the unit to and from your tennis club.

The Gamma X-ELS stringing machine benefits from an electronic tension system. While this increases the price of the unit, it makes the stringing process easier than ever. If you don’t want to use a hand crank to string your racquet, an electronic model is a great option. As well as measuring the tension, it applies it to the racquet automatically.

To use the X-ELS, simply enter your desired tension on the keypad and let the machine take care of the rest. Depending on your preference, choose a string tension of between 11 and 90 pounds.

Like the Gamma Progression ST, the X-ELS stringing machine benefits from six points of contact on the frame. This helps you to maintain the shape of your racquet during the stringing process.